5 Hidden Dangers in Your Home

Salmonella and E. Coli

Salmonella and E. Coli

These
two forms of bacteria can affect the intestinal tract, causing symptoms ranging
from diarrhea to life-threatening dehydration. Humans are most often infected
with salmonella after eating or handling contaminated raw foods, such as beef,
poultry, eggs, fruits, and vegetables. Salmonella contamination can occur
during harvesting, butchering, or preparation. E. coli infection may occur when
you accidentally eat contaminated foods that weren’t properly cooked or
cleaned.

Solution to Salmonella and E.Coli

Solution to Salmonella and E.Coli

Before handling food, wash your hands thoroughly. Use two cutting boards if possible—one for fruits and vegetables and another for raw meat. Keep raw meat, seafood, and poultry separated from other refrigerated foods. Clean with hot soapy water all utensils and plates that previously held raw meat before using again. Cook all meats, especially pork and poultry, to safe temperatures indicated by the Food Safety and Inspection Service.

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon Monoxide

This
flavorless, odorless gas gives no warning before making you very sick (think
flu-like symptoms) and can even cause death. Each year, approximately 500
people die from this "silent" killer, according to the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Contamination usually occurs when an organic fuel is burned without
proper ventilation. Common sources of carbon monoxide include kerosene and gas
space heaters, gas water heaters, wood stoves, fireplaces, automobile exhaust,
and tobacco smoke.

Solution to Carbon Monoxide

Solution to Carbon Monoxide

Have
a qualified technician service your heating system, water heater, and other
coal, oil, or gas appliances every year. Install a carbon monoxide (CO)
detector in your home. Never heat your house with a gas oven or use a
gasoline-powered or coal-burning device inside your home.

Lead

Lead

Exposure
to this highly toxic metal has been associated with serious health problems
that range from measurable changes in mental development and behavior to nerve
disorders and other ailments. Although regulatory standards by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
(CPSC) have minimized or
eliminated lead in consumer products since 1978, it remains in homes that
haven’t been updated. Lead-based paints in older homes, household dust,
drinking water (if you have lead pipes), and contaminated soil are the major
sources of lead exposure.

Solution to Lead in the House

Solution to Lead in the House

Test
your home and water for lead—especially if the structure was built before 1978.
You can buy a lead home test kit, consult an environmental lab or organization,
or hire a licensed risk assessor.

A
certified lead paint removal company can remove lead paint. If you have lead
pipes, never use hot water from the tap for drinking or making baby formula. Hot
water causes more lead to seep from the pipes. Above all, have your child
tested for lead.

Mold

Mold

These
microscopic living organisms grow where moisture, oxygen, and organic material
are present. You can expect to find mold in practically any damp area in your
home with poor ventilation. Exposure to mold spores can cause nasal and sinus
congestion, chronic cough, and eye irritation. According to the Mayo Clinic, it may also trigger asthma attacks and lung
infections for those with chronic respiratory disease.

Solution to Mold in the House

Solution to Mold in the House

Use
a non-ammonia cleaner or dishwashing soap and water to remove mold. Wear
gloves, long sleeves, pants, eye protectors, and a respirator to protect
yourself from spores. After cleaning the mold, use a HEPA (high efficiency particulate
absorbing) vacuum or air cleaner to eliminate mold spores from the air. For
large areas, hire a professional cleaner. Discard carpet, drywall, insulation,
and other items if they have been wet for more than two days.

Pesticides

Pesticides

Insect
repellant, weed killers, flea and tick shampoo, and roach sprays and baits are
just a few of the pesticides you’ll find in your home. There are other
"hidden" dangerous chemicals in products such as mothballs,
wallpaper, and pressure-treated wood. If used in the wrong way or stored
improperly, pesticides can be dangerous to your health, causing nerve damage,
breathing problems, and more. According to the World Health
Organization (WHO), household
pesticides are one of the leading causes of childhood poisonings.

Solution to Pesticides

Solution to Pesticides

Only
use these products according to instructions on the label. Keep all household
pesticides in a locked cabinet and out of reach of children. Protect yourself
from direct exposure and never eat or drink while using them. Be sure to wash
your hands thoroughly after working with poisonous products.

More Resources

More Resources

Fighting these five toxins is a
great start to making your home a safer, healthier, and happier place.

Here are some more ways you can improve the cleanliness of your living space:

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